WP Rugby stands together with DHL WP players

Published7th August 2018

The Group CEO and Director of Rugby of Western Province Rugby on Monday met with the player base to dispel weekend media reports alluding to the imminent ‘sale/clear-out’ of a number of athletes.
“It is regrettable that the public has been presented with a factually incorrect and grossly misleading view of our confidential internal dealings with our senior player group,” said WP Rugby Group CEO, Paul Zacks.

“We back our contracted players wholeheartedly and all of those players who have contracts with WP Rugby for 2018 and beyond will all be honoured. However, we want to at all times ensure that we are looking after our players’ best interests, which for some of them, especially those coming off long term injuries, means that they may benefit from a loan spell with another franchise in order to get much needed game-time and or exposure to different international competitions. Our goal is to ensure a win-win for all parties, facilitating more game-time for more players whilst simultaneously benefitting SA Rugby as a whole.

“Any decisions we make about player movements will always consider both the interests of the individual player as well as the Union with players remaining contracted to WP Rugby,” he said.

DHL Western Province as the current trophy holder, will attempt to defend their 2017 title and claim a record 35th Currie Cup win in 2018.

“Our players and management team under Chris van Zyl and John Dobson respectively showed what they were capable of in winning a Currie Cup Final away from home last year and as a Union we have every confidence in their abilities. We believe that we have an exceptional player base that is capable of delivering more success during this year’s Currie Cup campaign,” he said.